Propaganda Webquest
Introduction
What are you reading, watching on television, listening to on the radio? Are you always being given the facts, or are people trying to convince you of their opinions? This is a question that plagues consumers across the globe, and is something about which we need to be educated in order to make informed decisions from what products to buy and how to vote to who deserves our respect and admiration.
Propaganda is the use of media to convince consumers of opinions, regardless of fact, and is deeply embedded in our culture.
- Hearts or heads? Do we buy things based on logic or do we make make our decisions guided by our hearts?
- Coke or Pepsi, MacDonald's or Burger King, Mac or PC? What is the driving force? Do we buy things because they represent who we are?
- Are you influenced music playing on the commercial? Do you prefer a product because a certain celebrity says it's a good idea? Do you prefer food from a certain restaurant because it's popular? Do you wear brand names prominently displayed on your clothing?
- Are you faithful to a single brand? Do you ignore faults in certain products because they are your favorite brand?
- If you have a negative opinion about a certain product, then discover it's a brand or label you like, do you change your mind?
These are the kinds of issues that will be explored in this WebQuest!
The Task
Students and Student Groups will:
1. Define Propaganda
2. Take a look a the history of propaganda
3. View various types of propaganda
4. Explore online propaganda assessments
5. Create a poster that explains various types of propaganda
6. Create an advertisement utilizing a specific propaganda technique
7. Evaluate and critique their work, the work of their group members, and classmates
1. Define Propaganda
2. Take a look a the history of propaganda
3. View various types of propaganda
4. Explore online propaganda assessments
5. Create a poster that explains various types of propaganda
6. Create an advertisement utilizing a specific propaganda technique
7. Evaluate and critique their work, the work of their group members, and classmates
The Process
You will be working in small peer groups of two to three people on on your research. Groups work together to compare ideas based on the information collected, as well as completing the quizzes and sharing your final projects. You are individually responsible for your final projects. You will be sharing these projects with and be evaluated by your peer group.
Step 1- Propaganda background information:
First, your group will investigate the background material found in the articles below. Divide up the following list of links to websites (articles) which will help you understand the use of propaganda in our culture. Each member of the group is to complete the Analyzing Propaganda worksheet using the information your group has found. When you've completed your part of the research, share the sites and summaries to your group so that all group members can complete their analyzing sheet.
WORK TOGETHER AS A GROUP!
Step 1- Propaganda background information:
First, your group will investigate the background material found in the articles below. Divide up the following list of links to websites (articles) which will help you understand the use of propaganda in our culture. Each member of the group is to complete the Analyzing Propaganda worksheet using the information your group has found. When you've completed your part of the research, share the sites and summaries to your group so that all group members can complete their analyzing sheet.
WORK TOGETHER AS A GROUP!
Step 2-Information & quizzes
Now you will test your knowledge by going through the following informational link and completing the following quiz. Record your score and compare them with the other members of your group.
Step 3-Creating a Poster
Your group will now create a POSTER which outlines the 10 propaganda techniques you have identified on your worksheet. This poster should be colorful, neatly done and provide the viewer with a overview of the 10 techniques as well as examples. Posters will be shared using a Gallery Walk, where students will share their posters with the rest of the class as groups rotate around the classroom. Groups will rotate group spokespersons so that everyone gets a chance to share as well as see other group projects.
Step 4-Advertisement creation
Time to research advertisement creation. View the websites on the right for important information on ways to create interesting advertisements as well as good examples of creative, well organized advertisements.The last two links listed are sites that have numerous examples. These are the links you will use for the third column of the ANALYZING PROPAGANDA worksheet. (ad sources).
Step 5- Final Ad Project
Your final project will be the creation of an advertisement. You need to decide on the propaganda technique you will be employing prior to creating this ad. You will design your ad using powerpoint, prezi or movie maker.
You will present this project to the class upon completion. Students will rate each advertisement for 1. clarity of technique - Do we understand the use of the propaganda technique? 2. creativity - Have you creatively used the advertisement techniques researched? 3. layout composition - Is it neatly laid out/acted out and easy to understand |
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The Evaluation
Below is the link for the assessment rubric for the tasks completed in this WebQuest project. Please check your work against this rubric to self-assess. The same rubric will be used by Mrs. Yoder to grade your work.
CONCLUSION
Now it is time to reflect on your work on this webquest:
RESPOND TO THESE QUESTIONS ON MY BLOG:
1. Have you been able to or will you be able to view advertising with a more critical eye?
2. How has this webquest affected your role as a consumer?
3. Are you able to spot propaganda techniques in advertising more readily than prior to beginning this process?
4. How will this affect your buying habits in the future?
Advertising propaganda is riffle in our culture. Being informed of the techniques being used will help us to separate our identities from the manipulation of advertising agencies. This is the first step in becoming informed consumers. This WebQuest required you to look through the eyes of the ad creators. It is this perspective that will help you to see when you are being drawn into purchasing. Share your knowledge with your friends. Knowledge, in this case, the case of propaganda, really is power!
RESPOND TO THESE QUESTIONS ON MY BLOG:
1. Have you been able to or will you be able to view advertising with a more critical eye?
2. How has this webquest affected your role as a consumer?
3. Are you able to spot propaganda techniques in advertising more readily than prior to beginning this process?
4. How will this affect your buying habits in the future?
Advertising propaganda is riffle in our culture. Being informed of the techniques being used will help us to separate our identities from the manipulation of advertising agencies. This is the first step in becoming informed consumers. This WebQuest required you to look through the eyes of the ad creators. It is this perspective that will help you to see when you are being drawn into purchasing. Share your knowledge with your friends. Knowledge, in this case, the case of propaganda, really is power!